#Adult bed safety rails update

(be sure the rails the resident is using are not part of the recalled bed rails listed in Dear Provider Letter #2022-007)

Ensure the bedside rails are properly installed.

#Adult bed safety rails update

Update NCP to include description of how bedside rails are used (e.g., helps the resident with bed mobility, transferring in/out of bed, etc.).Provide information to the resident/resident representative about safety of using the medical device A Guide to Bed Safety is an FDA brochure that provides more information about the safety risks and benefits involved with using bedside rails.(sample bedside rail assessments are available in the AFH Council Document Library). Resident assessment to determine the need and ability to safely use the bedside rails.Per WAC 388-76, the following steps must be taken before using bed side rails (or any other medical device) for AFH residents: (3) Examples of medical devices with known safety risks when used are transfer poles, Posey or lap belts, and side rails. (2) Some medical devices have considerable safety risks associated with use and (1) A medical device is not always a restraint and should not be used as a restraint “Medical device” as used in this chapter, means any piece of medical equipment used to treat a resident’s assessed need. In WAC, bedside rails are considered medical devices, which are defined below: Even if an individual has a history of using bedside rails, once that person moves into an AFH, there are necessary steps to take to ensure bed side rail use complies with state regulations as written in WAC Chapter 388-76.

Adult family home (AFH) residents may use bedside rails if they are assessed as being necessary and the resident can safely use them.